#2 Knee
#3 Hip

Dr. Richard Illgen, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
206 procedures 2 hospitals Madison, WI
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star Top 10% Nationally
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 68 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 138 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Richard Illgen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Illgen has performed 138 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#2 in Wisconsin) and 68 hip replacements, for a combined total of 206 procedures.

In Wisconsin, Dr. Illgen performs well above average in knee (138 vs 37 avg), well above average in hip (68 vs 29 avg).

Dr. Illgen's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (138 cases) and hip replacements (68 cases).

Madison is home to 17 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Madison area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Illgen extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 100 to 206 in the most recent data, a 106% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Illgen's 138 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
138 verified cases
#2 in Wisconsin
Hip Replacement
68 verified cases
#3 in Wisconsin
Estimated total: 560 – 620 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
How is this estimated?

Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.

How Dr. Illgen Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.

Hip Very High
68 Avg: 29
Knee Very High
138 Avg: 37
Dr. Illgen Wisconsin Average

Contact & Location

600 Highland Ave
Madison, WI 53792
NPI: 1255395976
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Illgen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 106% from 100 procedures in 2013 to 206 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 206
Peak Volume 206 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority
★★★★☆
Madison, WI
Similar to national avg
H
Unitypoint Health - Meriter
★★★★☆
Madison, WI
Low case volume

Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Illgen

How does Dr. Illgen's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?

Dr. Illgen has performed 206 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Wisconsin average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Illgen ranks #2 out of 185 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Illgen perform?

Dr. Illgen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (138 cases) and hip replacement (68 cases).

How experienced is Dr. Illgen with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Illgen ranks #2 in Wisconsin for knee replacement with 138 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 185 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Illgen in Madison?

Yes. There are 17 orthopedic surgeons in Madison in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all Wisconsin surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Illgen represent?

The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Illgen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 206 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Illgen's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Illgen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 100 procedures in 2013 to 206 in the most recent data, a 106% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 206 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Illgen perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Illgen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (138 cases), hip replacement (68 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Illgen affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Illgen is affiliated with University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority, Unitypoint Health - Meriter.

How does Dr. Illgen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Madison?

Among the 17 orthopedic surgeons in Madison, Dr. Illgen ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Illgen is among the highest-volume surgeons in Madison.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Illgen practices?

University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Unitypoint Health - Meriter (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Madison, Wisconsin

Dr. Illgen's 206 Medicare procedures are above the Madison average of 152. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Madison.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Brian Nickel 235 Hip, Knee
Dr. David Hennessy 204 Hip, Knee
Dr. Scott Anderson 137 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Brian Grogan 114 Shoulder
Dr. Andrew Livermore 94 Hip, Knee
Dr. Joseph Mitchell 74 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Richard Illgen, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wi/dr-richard-illgen-madison.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wi/dr-richard-illgen-madison.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.